Iran urges UK to pay debt payments

In the meeting of the two countries’ new Iran foreign ministers Hossein Amirabdollahian and British Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly they exchanged viewpoints on bilateral ties, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and the latest developments in Afghanistan, IRNA News reports.

The Iranian foreign minister said in the meeting that reconstruction of bilateral ties needs serious efforts, emphasizing that implementing the four-decades-delayed British debt to Iran is quite necessary.

Hossein Amirabdollahian said that in the JCPOA there were many promises, but they were none materialized.

“Unfortunately, Britain has played a part in that inaction, and that approach needs to be changed,” said Iran’s top diplomat.

He also said that the US administration amid EU’s silence and collaboration still continues its illegal sanctions against Iran and meanwhile claims its intention to return to the JCPOA.

“That is an obvious contradiction that is carefully observed by the Iranian people. For the current Iranian government, the index and measurement stick is actions and measurable deeds of the other sides of the JCPOA, as mere words are not meaningful,” said Amirabdollahian.

He further emphasized that it is necessary that Britain to act in accordance with its commitments, as that is the only way for reconstruction of ties, and Tehran will respond to any positive and constructive step appropriately.

In the meeting meanwhile consular issues, including the subject of the double nationality citizens was discussed.

The Iranian top diplomat turning to the existing human catastrophe in Yemen and Bahrain stressed the need to pay special attention to easing those people’s pains.

On the situation in Afghanistan, too, Amirabdollahian reiterated the need for establishment of an all-encompassing government to reflect the tribal and ethnic population of that country, as the only comprehensive plan for establishment of peace and stability there.

The British foreign secretary, for her part, said in the meeting that London is ready for paying its debts to Iran.

Turning to the JCPOA issue, Elizabeth Truss said that presently the main issue for every side is the time for those negotiations and its process.

The British foreign minister meanwhile appreciated the Islamic Republic of Iran for facilitating for exit of the remaining British citizens from Afghanistan.